The socialist mayoralty of Joseíto Ruíz in Yaguajay, Notes on a transparent and popular administration

The neocolonial period in Cuba was characterized by widespread corruption, fraud, the dominance of economic and political elites, as well as repression and popular resistance.This led to the emergence of left-wing parties and organizations with a program aimed at fighting imperialism and promoting the worker-peasant alliance.One of the most prominent was the Popular Socialist Party (PSP), which adopted a Marxist approach, supported the struggle for social rights, and proposed the nationalization of key sectors of the economy, which led to its rise, on two occasions, to municipal mayoralties.Among these, the one led by José Ruiz in Yaguajay during the period 1946-1952 achieved remarkable significance.His administration was marked by the implementation of a policy focused on cleaning up government accounts and eliminating administrative deficiencies.His measures succeeded in organizing tax collection, tackling corruption, paying salaries, promoting health care and education, and carrying out public works.Despite the limitations of the 1950s, José Ruiz's strong determination and character, combined with his constant fight against corruption and his successful social policies, meant that, in just a few years, the municipality achieved greater socio-economic development than in the previous four decades.Many of the projects carried out during his term as mayor influenced the development of the Yaguajay region and constitute a positive legacy.